Queens Square, Fremantle

Queens Square, also known as Queen's Square, is a town square in Fremantle, Western Australia. It is located at the intersection of High Street and Parry Street, both of which bisect the square. The square was originally a single space, but was divided into four sections due to the extensions of High and Parry Streets, completed in 1886. Today Queens Square still functions as a public open space for residents of Fremantle.

History

The square began as an open space[1] on John Septimus Roe's original town plan of Fremantle, drawn in 1883.[2] In 1866, the Fremantle City Council decided that the extension of High Street should proceed through Queens Square, rather than around it.[3] By 1886 Parry Street had also been extended through the square.[2] In February 1896 the council decided to erect fencing at Queens Square, in order to establish a tree nursery there.[4][5][6] Tenders were called for in March,[7][8] and whilst several were received, all were rejected on the grounds that the proposed fences were too tall.[9] After the fencing was installed, it was criticised for reusing old, aesthetically unappealing fences "instead of neat ornamental fences".[10] In March 1903 the council resolved to install a children's playground in one corner of the square,[11] and in May 1906, drinking fountains.[12] In January 1916 the council decided that the gates were to be left open to allow for public access.[13] Three months later, after incidents of vandalism and destruction of plants, notices were installed warning that "any person stealing, pulling, or destroying flowers will be prosecuted".[14][15]

By 1927, Queens Square was not well known, with many Fremantle residents only learning of it due to a musical concert being held there.[16] The removal of the fences at Queens Square, except for the children's playground, was proposed in August 1931, as replacing the "dilapidated" fences would be expensive.[17] However, it was not decided to remove the fences until October 1932, with a 6–8 inch (15–20 cm) high concrete wall replacing them.[18][19] The children's quarter was to have an additional fence.[18][19] The work was not carried out until February 1933.[20][21]

Current usage

Queens Square is still used as a public open space.[2] It is landscaped with grassed areas and trees, and features paths and seating areas.[2]

See also

References
  1. "Old Fremantle". Western Mail. Perth. 21 April 1927. p. 29. Retrieved 22 November 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
  2. "Queen's Square". State Heritage Office. Government of Western Australia. 23 December 2011. Retrieved 16 November 2012.
  3. "Fremantle Municipal Council". The West Australian. Perth. 5 August 1886. p. 3. Retrieved 22 November 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
  4. "Fremantle Municipal Council". The Daily News. Perth. 20 December 1895. p. 5. Retrieved 22 November 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
  5. "Fremantle Municipal Council". The Daily News. Perth. 19 February 1896. p. 2. Retrieved 22 November 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
  6. "Fremantle Municipal Council". Western Mail. Perth. 21 February 1896. p. 24. Retrieved 22 November 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
  7. "Fremantle Municipal Council". The West Australian. Perth. 6 March 1896. p. 6. Retrieved 22 November 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
  8. "Fremantle Municipal Council". The Inquirer & Commercial News. Perth. 6 March 1896. p. 7. Retrieved 22 November 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
  9. "Municipal". The Daily News. Perth. 21 March 1896. p. 3. Retrieved 22 November 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
  10. "Fremantle Public Resorts". The West Australian. Perth. 2 April 1896. p. 3. Retrieved 22 November 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
  11. "Fremantle Municipal Council". The West Australian. Perth. 17 March 1903. p. 5. Retrieved 22 November 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
  12. "Council Meetings". The West Australian. Perth. 8 May 1906. p. 7. Retrieved 22 November 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
  13. "Fremantle Council". The Daily News. Perth. 25 January 1916. p. 5 Edition: Third Edition. Retrieved 22 November 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
  14. "Fremantle Council". The Daily News. Perth. 18 April 1916. p. 3 Edition: Thied Edition. Retrieved 22 November 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
  15. "Municipal Council". The West Australian. Perth. 19 April 1916. p. 8. Retrieved 22 November 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
  16. "Pickings from the Port". The Sunday Times. Perth. 1 January 1928. p. 7. Retrieved 22 November 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
  17. "Fremantle Squares". The Daily News. Perth. 4 August 1931. p. 6 Edition: Home (Final) Edition. Retrieved 22 November 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
  18. "Beautifying Fremantle". The West Australian. Perth. 5 October 1932. p. 6. Retrieved 22 November 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
  19. "Outstanding Rates". The West Australian. Perth. 18 October 1932. p. 11. Retrieved 22 November 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
  20. "Queen's Square". The Sunday Times. Perth. 19 February 1933. p. 8 Section: First Section. Retrieved 22 November 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
  21. "Improvements to Public Park". The Sunday Times. Perth. 26 February 1933. p. 8 Section: First Section. Retrieved 22 November 2012 – via National Library of Australia.

32.0530°S 115.7514°E / -32.0530; 115.7514

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